This site contains all assignments given to Todd Crawford for DIPL-3101 AA: Fall Semester...
Assignment 1: "Why is the correct drafting of an Executive Summary important, and what are the rules which should be followed to ensure this objective?"
Introduction:
The purpose of this assignment was to illustrate the numerous beneficial aspects of successful drafting techniques. Summaries that are written concisely speak volumes about the writer, as well as enhance the reader's understanding of the material. Through strict adherence to drafting rules, condensed summaries are guaranteed.
Facts:
In order to grasp the concept of drafting an Executive Summary, the essential rules for this action must be illustrated. First-and foremost, condensed summaries are not essays, rather a package of the most significant issues. There are two available options to choose from: "Type A" and "Type B". First, we will address "Type A", which consists-in order: Introduction; Facts; Analysis; and, Conclusion. The Introduction serves as medium to state the purposes and objectives for the summary. The Facts are then stated without examination, or judgment. Simply state the important relevant aspects of the critique. It is not until the following section (analysis) where the writer is allowed to examine the facts. The final portion of this type is the conclusion, where the writer summarizes the intentions of the summary. In "Type B" Executive Summaries, a different format prevails-in order: Introduction; Thesis; Antithesis; and Conclusion. Similar to "Type A" Executive Summaries, the Introduction states the purposes and objectives of the entire summary. In the following section, a clear argument is made, in the form of a thesis statement. The Antithesis then informs the reader to his/her doubt on the aforementioned thesis statement. Likewise, Type B concludes with a Conclusion, which summarizes the Executive Summary.
Analysis:
Awareness of the rules allows for the writer to draft an exceptional Executive Summary, which will benefit his/her strife to lead. Without communication, understanding of ones' thoughts and ideas is impossible. If, the masses cannot understand your message, you will not lead, rather be forced to follow those who can communicate. When the rules are followed, it is inevitable that your message will become clear, concise, and communicable to all those listening. For example, an individual seeks employment with a leading management firm; yet, that person cannot write clearly. What worth does that individual serve the company, once hired? This individual cannot express his/her ideas; therefore, will basically be relegated to a "lame duck". Rather, had this individual understood the importance of communication, he/she would have won over his/her peers, assuming a leadership position. From this analysis of the facts (the rules of drafting), it is imperative to understand that with every wandering statement away from the rules, communication is directly decreased.
Conclusion:
From this Executive Summary, the rules for drafting an Executive Summary should be understood. Furthermore, the essence of this case was the understanding the importance for adherence to the rules. Without following the rules, the quality of ones' leadership is affected.
Assignment 2: "Please list serially, the exact steps that would have to be followed in sequence to upload the text of this second assignment onto your web-page".
Step 1: Type the text that will be placed on your web site.
Step 2: Revise text making sure all errors are removed.
Step 3: Save file.
Step 4: Copy file by highlighting text, then pressing the control (Ctrl) key and "C" key at the same time.
Step 5: Sign online.
Step 6: Go to http://www.angelfire.com.
Step 7: Directly to the right of the Free Homepage Icon, click on the yellow box, which states "Sign In".
Step 8: In the first text box, enter either your directory name (example: pa4/craw33), or Lycos Passport name. Step 9: In the next text box, enter your password.
Note: If password is forgotten click on the blue icon titled "here", which is underneath the small red print. Enter your sites URL, and then click "Submit". Later, check your email for a response from Angelfire, with your password.
Step 10: Click on the "Submit" Icon.
Step 11: Highlight the file to which your new text will be added. (example: homework.html).
Step 12: Click on the "Edit" box, which is the third small gray box from the right.
Step 13: Scroll down until you reach "Create Text Box".
Step 14: In the space provided, paste your text, by pressing the control (Ctrl) key and the "V" key at the same time.
Step 15: At every point in your pasted text where a paragraph ends, type "<", then "p", followed by an ">".
Step 16: At the end of your pasted text, type "<", then "h", followed by "r", and lastly, an ">". This symbol creates a line across the screen to separate all subsequent text additions.
Step 17: Scroll down to the bottom of the Edit Screen.
Step 18: Click on the small gray box, entitled "Preview" to view your additions.
Step 19: If no errors are found, return to the Edit Screen, and click "Save", which is directly left of the "Preview" box. This step adds the text additions onto your internet site.
Step 20: Enter the URL for your web site, and view your improved site.
Assignment #3: Choose a leader, any leader, as innovatively as you can, and examine the essential characteristics which his or her personality exemplified, and reach conclusions as to whether his or her leadership was successful and enduring.
Introduction:
In most contemporary western societies, credit is given solely to the leader who exhibits desirable qualities over the "led". However, in many instances, the time is suitable for a leader with certain qualities, allowing that leader to accomplish more. Throughout the remainder of this essay, it will be proven that not only did John Welch possess numerous qualities which enabled him to lead, and make 'his time' through intelligence. Together with his abilities and his innate sense of future occurrences and trends, Welch transformed the business world, positioning himself as an icon for future generations.
Facts:
Two decades ago, a young John F. Welch, Jr. took over General Electric. At this time, it was believed that GE had reached its ultimate market potential, since it possessed a market cap of $3 billion. Experts throughout the business world believed that GE's growth would eventually slow, since no avenues for growth were assumed available (Colvin in Fortune). Despite such pessimism, Welch disregarded all critics, positioning his company towards growth. Combined with a strong desire and adherence to his mission, Welch was able to exhibit his constructive personality traits. During his reign, Welch's management style encouraged growth through disregarding the small things: if the bottom line grew, it was beneficial. Therefore, Welch encouraged his employees to take risks by experimenting with new concepts and products. Additionally, Welch possessed a unique talent in building successful networks of cooperate teamwork, all aimed to solve problems or create new services (Financial Executive). Basically, Welch set up separate entrepreneurial segments of the GE Corporation, which advanced GE beyond all expectations, except those of John Welch. Presently, GE maintains a market cap of $350 billion, as Welch looks to step down from his corporate ranks late this Fall.
Analysis:
Every leader is different, yet those leaders who achieve success possess similar qualities. A comprehensive understanding of your surroundings is necessary to demonstrate powerful leadership. Leaders must understand the way their respective fields evolve in order to change. Without such strife to remain dominant, present leaders will become lost in the past. Each situation requires certain characteristics for a leader, and those who prevail, understand. In fact, Welch was a corporate genius who had the inherent ability to make others follow his agenda. For example, Welch downsized his firm in the 1980': such trends did not become prevalent until the 1990's. As CEO of GE, it was understood that certain factors exist which are detrimental to the corporate vision; therefore, Welch went against the decades' corporate practices. Such radical changes eventually created great success for Welch, yet he did not change his practice. At any time of failure, Welch was able to accept criticism and advice from others. Welch was brilliant at managing thousands of people, since he was able to successfully organize an entire system around one goal: increasing the corporation. Without the understanding of the time period, and various factors involved in expanding a business, GE would never have emerged expansively. The type of leadership that emerged from the corporate ranks of GE-led by Welch, lasted for twenty years, and will continue into the future, since a remarkable way of molding a corporation through evolving central leadership has proven profitable. Conclusion:
Finally, prior to Welch, GE was an American corporate giant; yet, did not reach a point of 'true success'. It was due to a evolving form of leadership, founded on principles of understanding, that GE was transformed into a global powerhouse. Therefore, for a leader to accomplish the most daunting tasks, he/she must know their surroundings, and change as those surroundings vary, in accordance with acceptance of the led.
Bibliography:
Colvin, Geoffrey. "Would GE Pick an Outsider?". Fortune. 27 September 1999, pp. 290.
"Who's the boss". Financial Executive. May-June 1996, pp. 22-23.
Introduction:
The purpose of this executive summary is to condense the major themes of Ronald A. Heifetz's book: Leadership Without Easy Answers. Once the primary aspects of this discourse have been addressed, we will analyze the presented information, which will increase understanding of the aforementioned material. Finally, a brief summary will tie together all aspects of this summary. Such a book is a necessity if one desires to understand leadership concepts, and apply them to actual transpiring events.
Facts:
Basically, throughout the first section of the book (Chapters 1-3), Heifetz took an informative approach to portray important facts. Upon completion of this section, the reader was able to understand many important aspects of leadership that allowed for the reader to grasp real-life situations, which were presented in succeeding chapters. Heifetz made it clear that leadership can be obtained by the few, through gaining respect by the many, regardless of possession of a formal social title. Such leadership is in a response to a social change, where a new leader is needed to bring society back onto the desired equilibrium. This relationship between the leader and the society is best described as a social contract: of the leader does not follow the interests of society at large, inevitably, he/she will be removed from power. During the next portion, Heifetz begins to build upon previous information, by addressing major issues facing leaders. For a leader to ultimately achieve success, numerous factors play a pivotal role, such as the time, leadership types, and choice. If the type of leadership and choices made do not correlate with the attitudes of the time, that leader will be lame. Examples were Tacoma's Dilemma, The World Oil Crisis, FDR's New Deal, and the Selma Incident. Essentially, leaders were successful in addressing all these issues, because they understood the time, and adapted their leadership style and choices to correlate attitudes of the time. In later chapters, the issue of connecting leadership with social attitudes and time is addressed. Through the inclusion of examples of LBJ, Nixon, and Carter's foreign policies, Ghandi, Margaret Sanger, and Martin Luther King, it was shown that any leader, regardless of title can solve a problem through adopting policies acceptable to the society at large. Last, Heifetz addressed how to ensure a leader remains in power, when he suggested that a leader must be brave, since it is impossible to please everyone. However, in an effort to please the majority, he suggested that the leader should stand on the balcony, or stand back from the problem, separating yourself from the issue, listening to your followers.
Analysis:
Throughout the duration of this book, Heifetz kept the reader informed and interested. The way in which the information was presented was extremely beneficial in achieving the aforementioned aspects about this book. Initially, simple facts and aspects dealing with leadership concepts were presented. Then, Heifetz built upon those facts by detailing actual historical events, showing the role that the leader played in each example. Such a logical construction enabled the reader to understand basic concepts, then apply those principles practically through a comprehensive understanding of real-life scenarios. The facts that were presented basically covered numerous aspects of successful leadership practice, giving the reader a broad understanding of successful leadership practice. Furthermore, Heifetz did not simply give the facts on paper. Rather, he presented them in simple context, and then re-applied those facts in scenarios that allowed the reader to form both an opinion and a general understanding of important facts pertinent to studies in leadership.
Conclusion:
Finally, this book was worth both the time, and the money spent for the purchase of this book. Without reading this book, one will not understand the correct way to make a decision, utilizing all available power to satisfy your followers, ultimately allowing oneself to retain their leadership position. Leadership Without Easy Answers is a book strongly recommended for anyone interested in leadership concepts.
Assignment #5: Explain the question, "Do leaders make history, or does the historical moment make the leader?"
Introduction:
The issue that will be debated throughout the remainder of this summary is relatively complicated, since one must understand each side of the question, in order to reach a conclusion. Each side has extensively debated this issue, and perhaps universal agreement towards this issue may never be reached. Yet, this summary aims to inform the position of each side, allowing the reader to form his/her own opinion.
Facts:
The position of each side of this debate takes relatively simplified positions. For the purpose of discussion, we will refer to those who confirm that leaders make history as "revolutionaries"; while, those who believe the history makes the leader as "historians". To begin, the term "revolutionaries" is used because those who feel that leaders make the time believe that leaders add a new element to a society, culture, nation, or country which eventually causes a new order to be established in that groups' history. These additions from leadership are revolutionary and can either advance or revert a group; however, it are the principles brought into practice by the leader that change the course of history. For example, FDR would be regarded as a leader who made history. During his leadership in the United States, he adopted new radical measures of limited/controlled socialism which advanced his "group" (all Americans) into a position of dominance, hence issuing a new order in American conceptual history. Importantly, there are limits to the extent of adherence to this school of thought: there are those who feel strongly that only leaders make the time, and those who may give limited credit to historical events, while maintaining that ultimately leaders determine history. Conversely, there are those who believe that history makes the leader. The term "historians" has been used to illustrate this side's emphasis on historical implications on leaders. Scholars on this end of the spectrum believe that historical factors such as cultural practices/beliefs that are firmly established determine the level to which a leader will be accepted/rejected. For example, a "historian" would claim that the historical moment was responsible for issuing in the 'new history' under the leadership of FDR, not FDR's radical new policies. Rather, history allowed for such measures to be accepted, because the past and present were terrible for the Americans, making the masses desperate for change. Likewise, there exists two extremes: those who acknowledge that history alone makes a leader, and those who recognize limited influence by the leader.
Analysis:
Since the purpose of the summary was to inform the reader of each side, ultimately allowing the reader to form his/her own opinion, it is ultimately difficult to analyze without bias. However, it is important to note that within each spectrum there are levels to which these schools of thought are applied by their followers. Therefore, it is possible to a strong "revolutionary" and a weak "historian", and vice versa. When forming an opinion on this issue, remember that total adherence to either school of thought is not necessary; however, one must understand the importance of the other side, in order to form a true opinion. Without comprehension of each, a conclusion, once reached will be uninformed. Therefore, it is important to compare the positions of each side, and then based on total understanding, determine the level of adherence to that chosen position.
Conclusion:
In the end, there is no right or wrong decision, assuming that the facts were understood. The only way to make a wrong choice is to disregard important details. Many people feel that leaders make history, while others feel history makes the leaders. There is a split right down the middle on this issue; yet, it is not important how many individuals feel the same way as yourself, only that your choice has been academic.
Assignment #6: Explain the meaning of Marshall McLuhan's phrase "The medium is the message" with reference to the theory and practice of Leadership.
Introduction:
When first looking at this quote, one may not understand the meaning and importance that this statement implies. This statement is not necessarily easy to understand; yet, once grasped is significantly important to explain how leadership works. During the first section-Facts, the meaning of this quote will be addressed, followed by a discussion of its important in the Analysis section.
Facts:
Basically, Marshall McLuhan concludes that the medium is the numerous means that the media uses to communicate facts, events, stories, or situations to the public. Therefore, an example of a medium would could be the brief, and often biased television news program, or an in depth interview of a political candidate on radio broadcast. Next, the message is defined as the content that the medium depicts to the public/listeners. In the case of the news program, the message simply be to inform the public that a war was waged on Iraq. Conversely, the message in an in-depth interview with a political candidate might be to persuade the public, gaining their approval for war. Either way, there always exists a message that is portrayed to the public. However, certain ways of portrayal are more effective than others, which brings us to the heart of McLuhan's statement. Ultimately, the media controls the way that the message is conveyed to the public through the many shapes of mediums. Thus, sometimes appearance may mean more than the actual message. In the following section, the significance of this quote will be discussed.
Analysis:
There are many examples in real-life situations where McLuhan's quote proves significant. Furthermore, there can be a problem, or an advantage with the media's control over an individual/group's message. If, you are a political candidate (leader) who always has approval from the media (consequently is "packaged and cleaned up" by the media), running against another candidate that lacks the media's acceptance, then the approved will easily win. For example, in many situations we look at the character and appearance of an individual giving a speech to a higher degree than the actual message given by the speaker. It may not matter how important the speech is; if, that person's appearance is shoddy. On a larger scale, the media always plays an important role in portraying important public issues such as war/peace. When Iraq was refusing inspections from UNSCOM, American media was reporting the current events almost on an hourly basis. Ultimately, the American public would be responsible for the exective decision for war/peace; but, their decisions would be informed according to the media's reporting. In conclusion, the media uses tools to package information, or manipulate the information in a way to either help or destroy a certain side's message.
Conclusion:
Lastly, there are many tools at the disposal of the media which are able to distort information when given to the public. Ultimately, a leader may be unjustly disregarded as a successful leader because he/she did not understand the importance of appearance. Therefore, it is in the best-interest of all leaders to ethically persuade the public; while it is the public's responsibility not to let those leaders fool the actual message with excess.
October 29, 2000
Assignment #7: Examine Gardner's book as a whole, and choose the one chapterwhich identifies a point which you consider the most importantcontribution to your learning about the essentials of leadership."
"On Leadership":
As a whole, Gardner's book was extremely informative, and takes the reader through an in-depth tour of successful leadership. Conversely, to Heifetz, Gardner uses the technique of short compacted chapters, which extensively detail major themes and aspects of the practice of leadership. Throughout the remainder of this executive summary, this book will be presented with the focus lying within the most important aspect of Gardner's assessment of leadership.
Text Content:
Gardner wastes no time, and immediately begins his task to explain successful leadership in the first chapter. Through his definition of leadership, he sets the tone for the entire book. Simply, he states that leadership is utilized in everyday actions; therefore, he is then able to state the many task associated with leadership in society. These 9 tasks basically take the reader to the heart of the study of leadership, which is how a leader gains and holds his position of power. There exists a unique relationship between the leader and his constituents, and the only successful leaders are those who can bring together the many voices in support of a common goal. To achieve this togetherness, leaders often use many different tools. Some of these characteristics are hereditary, such as physical appearance, tone of voice, and intelligence. Likewise, others are gained through hard work or practice, such as presentation/communication skills, work ethic, and good judgment. Interestingly, Gardner states that leadership and power are different, since power is the capacity that one uses to achieve those desirable actions, limiting the undesirable. Leaders do have power, since it is the means to achieve their ends, but all leaders use power to a different extent due to different environments and cultural considerations. Moral considerations therefore affect all leaders, since the level of power enforced on the led is determined by cultural history. For example, immoral activities from leaders are usually due to a desire for total control, as indicated by the example of Adolf Hitler. Sometimes, leaders are involved in large-scale organizations, making those aforementioned qualities imperative in all leaders, since communication is a necessity to survive. Therefore, leaders are necessary to create order and increase productivity in a given organization, to bring together all common interests toward a common goal. In the latter half, Gardner proposes an interesting point: since population has increased tremendously over the last 200 years in American society, why has there not been an proportional increase in great leaders? Perhaps the great challenges of a leader's responsibility to motivate, regenerate, and create confidence scares away many of our greatest leaders.
Gravamen:
Despite, the abundance amount of important information presented to the reader, the ideas presented in Chapter Four stands above all the rest, since it addresses the essence of leadership. Gardner states that leadership has context: time and space play an important role in determining the type of leader that assumes a particular role. A leader may be great in one particular moment in time, but a failure in another. It can be argued that FDR would be a terrible leader in modern America, since the type of leadership exhibited in the 1930's and 1940's was rather controlling. Now, Americans enjoy great success, and basically do not desire any sort of controlling/large government. Furthermore, a leader may be popular in one area, and hated in another. Adolf Hitler was loved by his people during his reign in Germany, but hated in other areas of Europe due to his radical and threatening political, military, and economic policies. Additionally, the nature of problems that a leader encounters determines the style of leader that will lead. Known as the situational theory, this address the issue that a leader serves different functions to the led, according to what 'his people' need. During his presidency, FDR gave Americans what they needed. They were confused, desperate, and in dire need of a strong leader; therefore, he became a powerful president who served more terms than any other president. Gardner progresses to add that low-level leadership is as important as high level leadership, since often times, high level leadership is informed by the members of low-low level management. Additionally, the policies of high leaders are implemented/carried out by those lower on the leadership hierarchy. Therefore, to maintain and regulate a functioning and superior low-level leadership spectrum is imperative to a strong organization. This point is especially important since lower-level leaders sometimes grow into positions of leadership. The example of Harry Truman is especially relevant, since he assumed the presidency through the death of his superior. Therefore, a lower-level leader must be competent, since it is never known when the expectancy to exclusively lead will arise. This chapter shines above the rest, since it encompasses many aspects of leadership, tying those with actual aspects of life lessons/events. In order to shine in the present, one must understand the past, so that the same mistakes will no occur in the future, while regenerating those advantageous aspects. Gardner does exactly this in this chapter as he points out who, what, why, when, and how certain leaders were needed in certain environments in the past.
Summary:
Upon completion of this book, one understands the composition of a great leader. Furthermore, the reader knows what aspects of leadership must be controlled, manipulated, changed, or enhanced in order to best serve the led. Ultimately, all leaders knew the entirety of this book, and adopted these policies to their own leadership spectrum; the world would be filled with superiority. Hopefully, this summary provided enough information regarding "On Leadership", and showed the most important aspect of this Gardner's discourse on leadership.
November 2, 2000
Assignment #8: Prepare a midterm evaluation of the Leadership class, highlighting, in equal parts, what is being usefully learnt, and how the content and teaching of the course could be improved in the future.
Leadership:
Since the focus of this class focuses on leadership, there is a vast amount of material that proves relevant to course study, since basically all aspects of modern times incorporate aspects of leadership. Therefore, it is often difficult to discuss the aspects of leadership entirely. Nonetheless, throughout the first half of this class taught by Ambassador Kamal, we have began breaking apart the most important issues of leadership. Throughout this summary, one will find the progression of class study, and view possible alternative aspects for the second half of this semester.
Course Content:
Without reaching into the particular facts of leadership discourse, we will first look at what was learnt from the first book by Heifetz, entitled "Leadership Without Easy Answers". Since, this book served as the first look into the world of leadership study, this served as an introduction into the numerous pressing aspects of leadership. On a global spectrum, this book taught the class a general view of leadership concepts, including aspects towards political, economic, and political leadership. The next book written by John Gardner, entitled "On Leadership" took
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